Handheld blower

ABSTRACT

A handheld blower including a housing, an air duct defining a duct axis, the air duct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, and a handle. The handle at least partially defining a battery receiving cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a battery pack therein, where the handle defines a grip axis, and where the grip axis is parallel to the duct axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/131,878, filed Dec. 30, 2020 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/287,430, filed Dec. 8, 2021. The entirecontents of both are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to handheld blowers, and more particularlyto battery powered handheld blowers.

BACKGROUND

Handheld blowers are generally used to produce and output a stream ofair to be directed by the user.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a handheld blower including a housing, an air ductdefining a duct axis, the air duct including an air inlet and an airoutlet opposite the air inlet, and a handle. The handle at leastpartially defining a battery receiving cavity configured to receive atleast a portion of a battery pack therein, where the handle defines agrip axis, and where the grip axis is parallel to the duct axis.

In another embodiment, A handheld blower including a housing, an airduct defining a duct axis, the air duct including an air inlet and anair outlet opposite the air inlet, a fan disposed in the air ductbetween the air inlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotateabout the duct axis, the fan including a fan hub and a plurality of fanblades extending radially outwardly from the fan hub to include a fantip, the fan defining a first radius extending between the duct axis andthe radial exterior of the fan hub, the fan also defining a secondradius extending between the duct axis and the blade tip of a fan blade,and where a ratio of a first radius and the second radius is between 0.6and 0.8.

In another embodiment, a handheld blower including a housing, an airduct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet,where the air duct defines a duct axis, a fan disposed in the air ductbetween the air inlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotateabout the duct axis, the fan including fan hub and a plurality of fanblades extending radially outwardly from the fan hub, each fan bladeincluding an upstream connection point to the fan hub, and where the airduct includes an air duct intake length extending axially between theair inlet and the upstream connection point, where the air duct includesan air duct radius between an inner surface of the air duct and the ductaxis at a position between the air inlet and the upstream connectionpoint, and where a ratio of the air duct radius to the air duct intakelength is between 0.4 and 0.5.

In another embodiment, a handheld blower including a housing, an airduct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet,the air duct defining a duct axis, a fan disposed in the air ductbetween the air inlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotateabout the duct axis, a cover disposed in the air duct between the fanand the air outlet, the cover having a first length extending along theaxis, and a flow region disposed radially between the cover and an innersurface of the air duct, the flow region including an annularcross-sectional area that is constant along a majority of the firstlength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld blower with optionalattachments, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1 with anextension attachment and frustoconical nozzle attachment.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1 withthe extension attachment and frustoconical nozzle attachment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1 with thefrustoconical nozzle attachment.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1 withthe frustoconical nozzle attachment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1 with theextension attachment and a rectangular outlet nozzle attachment.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1 withthe extension attachment and rectangular outlet nozzle attachment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1 with therectangular outlet nozzle attachment.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1 withthe rectangular outlet nozzle attachment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the handheld blowerof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10A is the cross-sectional side elevation view of the handheldblower of FIG. 1 with a battery pack attached thereto.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the handheld blower of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a fan of the handheld blower of FIG.1 .

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the fan of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of another embodiment of anair duct with a light source included therein.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional elevation view of another embodiment of anair duct with light sources mounted thereon.

FIG. 15A is an end view of the air duct of FIG. 15 .

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a blower.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the blower of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 17 is an elevation view of another embodiment of a blower having acollapsible air duct in a collapsed position.

FIG. 18 is an elevation view of the blower of FIG. 17 with the air ductin an extended position.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the blower of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional elevation view of another embodiment of ablower having a ring-type fan.

FIG. 20A is an end view of the ring-type fan of FIG. 20 .

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional elevation view of another embodiment of ablower.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flexible nozzle for use with a blower.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the followingdrawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 generally illustrates an electrically powered handheld blower100. The handheld blower 100 includes a housing 114, an air duct 112defining an axis A1 therethrough, and a fan assembly 115 at leastpartially positioned within the air duct 112. The air duct 112, in turn,includes an inlet 110 into which air is drawn during operation and anoutlet 108 opposite from and downstream of the inlet 110 through whichair is exhausted. In the illustrated embodiment, the air duct 112 is atleast partially surrounded by the housing 114 of the blower 100. Asshown in FIG. 11 , in some embodiments the housing 114 may include twoclamshell halves that are joined together with fasteners to surround theair duct 112. While the illustrated embodiment depicts a separate airduct 112 surrounded between two clamshell halves of the housing 114, itis understood that in alternative embodiments the air duct 112 may beattached to the outside of the housing 114. Still further, in otherembodiments the air duct 112 and the housing 114 may be formed togetheras a single unit.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the handheld blower 100 is configured for use withthree attachments including an extension 102 and at least two differentnozzles 104, 106. Each of the extension 102, the frustoconical nozzle104, and the rectangular outlet nozzle 106 is configured to removablyconnect to the outlet 108 of the handheld blower 100. The nozzles 104,106 are also each configured to removably connect to the extension 102.The blower 100 is shown with both the extension 102 and thefrustoconical nozzle 104 attached in FIGS. 2 and 3 , with only thefrustoconical nozzle 104 attached in FIGS. 4 and 5 , with both theextension 102 and the rectangular outlet nozzle 106 attached in FIGS. 6and 7 , and with only the rectangular outlet nozzle 106 attached inFIGS. 8 and 9 . It is understood that other nozzle shapes may also beused with the blower 100. Such nozzles may be attached directly to thehandheld blower 100 (e.g., to the outlet 108) or indirectly via theextension 102.

Returning to FIG. 10 , the housing 114 of the handheld blower 100further includes a handle 116 defining a handle axis A3 extending alongthe grip portion thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 116extends generally parallel to and offset vertically above the axis A1 asshown in FIG. 10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the grip axis A3 maybe oriented substantially parallel to the axis A1±1 degree, ±2 degrees,±3 degrees, ±4 degrees, ±5 degrees, ±6 degrees, ±7 degrees, ±8 degrees,±9 degrees, ±10 degrees, ±12 degrees, ±15 degrees, or ±20 degrees.

The handle 116 includes a battery receiving cavity 118 defined therein(see FIGS. 10 and 10A). In the illustrated embodiment, the batteryreceiving cavity 118 is configured to receive at least a portion of abattery pack 119 therein to form a detachable electrical connection tothe battery pack 119. In some embodiments, the battery pack 119 is a12-volt rechargeable battery pack. In the illustrated embodiment, thebattery receiving cavity 118 defines a battery insertion axis A2 that isgenerally parallel to and offset vertically from the axis A1. In otherembodiments, the battery pack is introduced into the battery receivingcavity 118 along the insertion axis A2 where it is releasably securedusing a latch or other attachment mechanism (not shown). In theillustrated embodiment, the insertion axis A2 may be orientedsubstantially parallel to the axis A1±1 degree, ±2 degrees, ±3 degrees,±4 degrees, ±5 degrees, ±6 degrees, ±7 degrees, ±8 degrees, ±9 degrees,±10 degrees, ±12 degrees, ±15 degrees, or ±20 degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment, the battery insertion axis A2 iscoincident with the grip axis A3. In other embodiments, the batteryinsertion axis A2 may pass through the handle 116 and be substantiallyparallel to the handle axis A3±1 degree, ±2 degrees, ±3 degrees, ±4degrees, ±5 degrees, ±6 degrees, ±7 degrees, ±8 degrees, ±9 degrees, ±10degrees, ±12 degrees, ±15 degrees, or ±20 degrees.

When installed, at least a portion of the battery pack 119 is receivedin the battery receiving cavity 118 while at least another portion ofthe battery pack 119 is disposed outside of the battery receiving cavity118 (in a direction generally rearwardly of the handle 116 in theillustrated embodiment). The portion of the battery pack outside of thebattery receiving cavity 118 is disposed radially outwardly from theaxis A1 at a position that is vertically above the inlet 110 (in theorientation of FIG. 10 ). The battery pack 119 is also positioned sothat a plane B1 oriented normal to the axis A1 and aligned with theinlet 110 will pass through the battery 119 (see FIG. 10A).

In the illustrated embodiment, a grate 120 is disposed over the inlet110 in order to prevent larger debris from entering the inlet 110. Thegrate 120 may be a structure creating a series of slits, a screen, acircuitous flow path, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the inlet 110 of the air duct 112 includes abell-shaped section 122. The bell shaped section 122 includes a maximumbell radius R1 and smoothly and continuously transitions to match thesmaller radius R2 of the cylindrical section 124 (described below). Insome embodiments, the bell-shaped section 122 may assist in creatingbeneficial airflow properties through the air duct 112. In someembodiments, the maximum bell radius R1 is approximately 57.3millimeters.

Downstream from the bell-shaped section 122 of the air duct 112 is acylindrical section 124. The cylindrical section 124 of the air duct 112extends along the axis A1 away from the inlet 110. The cylindricalsection 124 has a cylinder radius R2 that is less than the maximum bellradius R1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the cylinder radius R2 andthe maximum bell radius R1 is between 0.6 and 0.73. In otherembodiments, this ratio between the cylinder radius R2 and the bellradius R1 is between 0.63 and 0.7. In still other embodiments, the ratiobetween the cylinder radius R2 and the bell radius R1 is 0.67. In someembodiments, the cylinder radius R2 is approximately 38.2 millimeters.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , a portion of the cylindrical section 124of the air duct 112 includes openings 126 formed into the sidewallthereof and open to the interior. The blower 100 includes one or moresound dampening elements 128 positioned such that they cover theopenings 126 to minimize the sound decibel level exiting from theopenings 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the sound dampening element128 is a ring-shaped element disposed between the air duct 112 and thehousing 114. More specifically, the blower 100 includes an annular pieceof sound dampening material 128 encircling the air duct 112 and coveringeach of the openings 126. This sound dampening material layer 128 may bemade of, for instance, sound dampening foam and the like.

Referring once more to FIG. 10 , the fan assembly 115 of the cylindricalsection 124 includes a fan 130, a motor 142 configured to rotate the fan130 relative to the air duct 112, and a cover 144 configured to improvethe aerodynamic flow of air across the fan 130 and the motor 142. Whilethe illustrated cover 144 is shown as an aerodynamic element, it isunderstood that the cover 144 may also include positioning membersextending radially outwardly therefrom to help co-axially locate themotor 142 and the fan 130 within the air duct 112. Furthermore, whilethe illustrated cover 144 is shown encompassing a portion of the motor142, in alternative embodiments the cover 144 may serve solely as anaerodynamic device and not encompass the motor 142 therein. Duringoperation, the motor 142 rotates the fan 130 about the axis A1 such thatthe fan assembly 115 draws air into the air duct 112 via the inlet 110,accelerate the air within the air duct 112, and discharges the resultingairflow through the outlet 108 in a generally forward direction F1 (seeFIG. 4 ).

The fan 130 is located in the air duct 112 between the air inlet 110 andthe air outlet 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 130 isdisposed vertically under the handle 116 with the blower 100 oriented asshown in FIG. 10 . The fan 130 is configured to rotate about the axis A1being driven by the motor 142 (described below). As shown in FIGS. 12and 13 , the fan 130 includes a fan hub 132 and a plurality of fanblades 134. Each of the fan blades 134 extends radially outwardly fromthe fan hub 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 130 includesthirteen fan blades 134. The fan blades 134 are spaced evenly about thecircumference of the fan hub 132 and all have the same outer diameter.Each fan blade 134 is connected to the fan hub 132 from an upstreamconnection point 136 to a downstream connection point 138 (shown best inFIG. 12 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the axial length L1 of the fanblades 134 (from, for instance, the upstream connection point 136 to thedownstream connection point 138 in a direction along the axis A1) maybe, for instance, 15.3 millimeters. Each fan blade 134 also includes aradially outermost blade tip 140. The fan hub 132 in the illustratedembodiment includes a curvilinear surface that forms the shape of atruncated hemisphere. This shape provides a narrower cross-section ofthe fan hub 132 upstream of the wider portion of the fan hub 132 toallow for better aerodynamic flow across the fan hub 132 duringoperation.

In some embodiments, a ratio of the radius R3 of the fan hub 132 (whichis measured from the axis A1 to the radially outermost end of the fanhub 132) to the radius R4 of the fan blades 134 (which is measured fromthe axis A1 to the blade tip 140) is between 0.6 and 0.8. In otherembodiments, the ratio of radius R3 to the radius R4 is between 0.65 and0.75. In still other embodiments, the ratio of radius R3 to the radiusR4 is between 0.7 and 0.75. In still other embodiments, the ratio of theradius R3 to the radius R4 is 0.72. These may provide for a fan 130 thatrequires less energy to spin than conventional fans while stillproducing significant airflow through the air duct 112. Specifically,these ratios result in a fan 130 that is capable of spinning at fasterspeeds with lower torque requirements from the motor 142, thereforeneeding a lower current draw on an associated motor than conventionalfans. In some embodiments, the fan hub radius R3 is approximately 26.3millimeters and the blade tip radius R4 is approximately 36.5millimeters. In such embodiments, these measurements result in a bladeradial height H1 that is approximately 10.2 millimeters. Thisconstructions leaves a clearance C1 of approximately 1.7 millimetersbetween the blade tip 140 and the inner surface of the cylindricalsection 124 of the air duct 112.

Returning to FIG. 10 , the handheld blower 100 may further include anair duct intake length L2 defined along the axis A1 from the air inlet110 to the upstream connection point 136 of the fan blades 134. In someembodiments, this air duct intake length L2 is approximately 77millimeters. The air duct 112 further includes an air duct radius, suchas the cylinder radius R2, that extends from the axis A1 to the innersurface of the air duct 112 at a position along the axis A1 between theair inlet 110 and the upstream connection point 136. In someembodiments, the ratio of the air duct radius R2 and the air duct intakelength L2 is between 0.4 and 0.55. In some embodiments, the ratiobetween the air duct radius R2 and the air duct intake length L2 isbetween 0.45 and 0.5. In other embodiments, the ratio between the airduct radius R2 and the air duct intake length L2 is 0.5. The ratiobetween the air duct radius R2 and the air duct intake length L2provides a relatively short intake length L2 that still allows forsufficient airflow through the air duct 112.

As discussed above, the fan 130 is driven by a motor 142 that isdisposed downstream from the fan 130 and powered by the battery pack. Insome embodiments, the motor 142 includes a motor length L3 that isapproximately 136 millimeters. The motor 142, in turn, is located withinthe air duct 112 and positioned co-axially with the axis A1. In theillustrated embodiment, the motor 142 is at least partially positionedwithin the cover 144 which provides an efficient aerodynamic profile toassist the flow of air through the air duct 112. In the illustratedembodiment, the housing 114 is configured to at least partially receivea portion of the motor 142 therein while providing an exterior surfacethat tapers as it extends downstream from the fan 130 to produce agenerally conical shape. The cover 144, therefore, is disposed betweenthe fan 130 and the air outlet 108 of the air duct 112.

The cover 144 includes a length L4 that extends along the axis A1. Insome embodiments, the length L4 is approximately 102 millimeters. A flowregion 146 having an annular cross-sectional area is disposed radiallybetween the cover 144 and the inner surface of the air duct 112. In theillustrated embodiment, the annular cross-sectional area of the flowregion 146 is constant along a majority of the length L4. In someembodiments, the annular cross-sectional area of the flow region 146 isconstant along more than 60% of the length L4. In some embodiments, theannular cross-sectional area of the flow region 146 is constant alongmore than 75% of the length L4. Stated another way, the cross-sectionalarea of the cover 144 subtracted from the cross-sectional area of theair duct 112 results in a constant annular cross-sectional flow region146 at a plurality of points along the axis A1 along the axial length ofthe cover 144. One point P1, for instance, may be located radiallyoutwardly from a portion of the motor 142, and another point P2, forinstance, may be nearer than the motor 142 to the downstream tip of thecover 144. This configuration may limit the amount of expansion and/orcontraction of the airflow through the air duct 112, thereby resultingin an increased efficiency of the handheld blower 100. Further, thecover 144 and the flow region 146 may, in some embodiments, efficientlyand effectively unite the airflow downstream of the cover 144.

The air outlet 108 includes an outlet diameter D1 of, for instance, 55.4millimeters in some embodiments. The outlet 108 also includes a mountingelement 148 to allow for easy and rapid connection between the air duct112 and the various attachments 102, 104, 106 (described above). Morespecifically, the mounting element 148 of the illustrated deviceincludes a twist-to-lock channel defined in the wall of the air duct 112adjacent the outlet 108.

The illustrated handheld blower 100 may include many other featuresincluding, for instance, a plurality of controls 150 disposed on orabout the handle 116, a plurality of support feet 152 to allow a user toplace the handheld blower 100 on a support surface, a plurality ofvibration dampening sections 154 (made of, for instance, a polymermaterial) connecting the air duct 112 to the housing 114 (shown in FIG.11 ), a plurality of nozzle attachments 104, 106 and extensionattachments 102 of various shapes, sizes, and lengths, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the illustrated frustoconical nozzle 104. Thenozzle 104 is substantially elongated in shape having a first end 160configured to be releasably attached to the mounting element 148 of theoutlet 108 of the air duct 112, and a nozzle outlet 156 opposite thefirst end 160 forming a cross-sectional area that is less than the ofthe cylindrical section 124 of the air duct 112. In some embodiments,the diameter D2 of the nozzle outlet 156 is approximately 50millimeters. To achieve the smaller area of the nozzle outlet 156, thenozzle 104 may be tapered at a taper angle T1 of, for instance, 1°. Thefrustoconical nozzle 104 may have a nozzle length L5 of, for instance,154.7 millimeters in some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the air duct 1112. The airduct 1112 is substantially similar to the air duct 112 described aboveso only the differences will be described in detail herein. The air duct1112 includes a light source 1050 mounted within the volume 1500 of theair duct 1112 and axially positioned between the inlet 1110 and theoutlet 1108 thereof. The light source 1050 may be an LED, incandescentbulb, neon light, and the like. More specifically, the light source 1050is mounted within the air duct 1112 on the downstream tip 1504 of thecover 1144. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 1050 isoriented so that the resulting light beam 1508 is directed along theaxis A1001 toward the outlet 1108 so that beam 1508 projects outwardlyfrom the outlet 1108 in the same general direction as the airflowdischarged from the air duct 1112 (e.g., F1). In some embodiments, thelight beam 1508 includes a diverting projection defining a light beamaxis A1003 where the light beam axis A1003 is co-axial with the axisA1001.

While the illustrated light source 1050 is shown being installed on thedownstream tip 1504 of the cover 1144, it is understood that inalternative embodiments the light source 1050 may be mounted separatelyfrom the fan assembly 1115 within the volume 1500 of the air duct 1112(e.g., supported by one or more separate supports). Furthermore, whilethe illustrated embodiment includes a single light source 1050 centeredco-axially within the air duct 1112, in alternative embodiments multiplelight sources 1050 may be present within the volume 1500 of the air duct1112 and may be positioned radially offset from the axis A1001.

In some embodiments, the light source 1050 is powered by the batterypack 119. During use, the light source 1050 may be activated at any timethat the motor 142 is activated. In other embodiments, the light source1050 may be activated any time the motor 142 is activated plus anadditional extended “loiter” period after the motor 142 has beendeactivated. In still other embodiments, the light source 1050 may beactivated and deactivated separately from the motor 142. In still otherembodiments, the light source 1050 may be controlled using a combinationof the above features.

FIGS. 15 and 15A illustrate another embodiment of the air duct 2112. Theair duct 2112 is substantially similar to the air duct 112 describedabove so only the differences will be discussed in detail herein. Theair duct 2112 includes one or more light sources 2050 mounted to thewall of air duct 2112 itself. More specifically, the one or more lightsources 2050 are mounted to and spaced along the perimeter of the outlet2110. In the illustrated embodiment, the air duct 2112 includes fourlight sources 2050 evenly spaced about the perimeter of the outlet 2110of the air duct 2112 (e.g., every 90 degrees). However, in alternativeembodiments more or fewer light sources 2050 may be present. In stillother embodiments, a ring light or rope light may arcuately extendaround a portion of or the entire perimeter of the outlet 2110 of theair duct 2112.

As shown in FIG. 15 , each light source 2050 of the air duct 2112 thatis coupled to the perimeter of the outlet 2110 is oriented so that thecorresponding light beam 2500 emitted therefrom is directed in adirection parallel to the axis A2001. More specifically, each lightsource 2050 of the one or more light sources 2050 is configured tooutput a diverging beam of light along a corresponding light axis A2003.In the illustrated embodiment, each light axis A2003 is parallel to theaxis A2001. However, in alternative embodiments only a subgroup of thelight sources 2050 may be oriented so that the corresponding light axisA2003 is parallel to the axis A2001.

In alternative embodiments, the one or more light sources 2050 may beoriented so that light axis A2003 of the light beams 2500 extendingtherefrom are configured to converge on one or more focal points. Insome examples, each light source 2050 may be angled so that all of theplurality of light sources 2050 are focused on a single focal point. Inother embodiments, a first subset of light sources 2050 may be directedtoward a first focal point while a second subset of light sources 2050may directed toward a second focal point different than the first focalpoint. Still further, the one or more focal points may be positionedahead of the outlet 2110 of the air duct 2112 (e.g., in the generaldirection in which air is discharged from the blower 100) and even lieon the axis A2001. In still other embodiments, the light sources 2050may be used to illuminate the area around the user and be directedgenerally below the blower 100.

In some embodiments, the light sources 2050 are powered by the batterypack 119. During use, the light sources 2050 may be activated at anytime that the motor 142 is activated. In other embodiments, the lightsources 2050 may be activated any time the motor 142 is activated plusan additional extended “loiter” period after the motor 142 has beendeactivated. In still other embodiments, the light sources 2050 may beactivated and deactivated separately from the motor 142. In still otherembodiments, the light sources 2050 may be controlled using acombination of the above features.

FIGS. 16 and 16A illustrate another embodiment of the handheld blower3100. The handheld blower 3100 is substantially similar to the handheldblower 100 described above so only the differences will be discussed indetail herein. The handheld blower 3100 includes a light source 3050releasably mounted to the housing 3114 outside the air duct 3112. Morespecifically, the light source 3050 is releasably mounted to the housing3114 proximate the handle 3116 thereof positioned vertically above theair duct 3112. When the light source 3050 is mounted to the housing3114, the light source 3050 is configured to output one or more lightbeams 3500 directed toward the outlet 3110 in the same general directionin which air is discharged from the blower 3100 (e.g., F1). In someembodiments, the light beam 3500 includes a diverging projection oflight defining a light beam axis A3003. In some conditions, the lightbeam axis A3003 may be parallel with the axis A3001.

In alternative embodiments, the light source 3050 may be angled so thatthe one or more light beams 3500 are configured to converge on a focalpoint positioned forward of the outlet 3110. In some examples, the focalpoint may be located along the axis A3001. In still other embodiments,the light source 3050 may be adjustable such that the user is able tomanually adjust and re-orient the one or more light beams 3500 duringuse. In still other embodiments, the light beam 3500 may be directed toserve as a flood light illuminating the area around the user and thehandheld blower 3100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 3050 is a separate,self-contained unit including a light source body 3504, battery 3508,user input switch 3510, and one or more light emitting elements 3512.More specifically, the housing 3114 of the handheld blower 3100 definesa mounting point 3516 to which the body 3504 of the light source 3050may be releasably mounted during use. In the illustrated embodiment, themounting point 3516 includes an aperture defined by the housing 3114into which the body 3504 of the light source 3050 is inserted, but inalternative embodiments, the mounting point 3516 may include an externalmount such as a rail and the like. In still other embodiments, thehandheld blower 3100 may include multiple mounting locations to whichthe light source 3050 may be selectively attached. In such embodiments,one of the mounting locations may be positioned on the underside of thehousing 3114, opposite the handle 116, so that the light source 3050 mayact as a ground area flood light without the blower itself blocking thelight (e.g., see element 3518 in FIG. 16A).

In some embodiments, the light source 3050 and handheld blower 3100 areconfigured so that when the light source 3050 is mounted to the housing3114 the two elements are in operable communication with each other. Forexample, the battery 3508 of the light source 3050 may be recharged orelectrically supplemented by the battery pack 119 of the handheld blower3100. Furthermore, the inputs of the handheld blower 3100 may be used tosupplement those contained on the light source 3050 so that the handheldblower 3100 may be able to remotely turn on and off the light source3050 during use. When the light source 3050 is separate from thehandheld blower 3100, the light source 3050 would act as a standardflashlight relying on its own battery 3508 and being activated anddeactivated by its own user input switch 3510.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate another embodiment of the handheld blower 4100.The handheld blower 4100 is substantially similar to the handheld blower100 described above so only the differences will be discussed in detailherein. The handheld blower 4100 includes a collapsible or stowable airduct 4112 having an adjustable duct length 4500 generally defined as theaxial length along the axis A4001 between the inlet 4110 and the outlet4108. During use, the air duct 4112 is adjustable between a collapsedposition (see FIG. 17 ) in which the air duct 4112 has a first ductlength 4500 a, and an extended position (see FIG. 18 ) in which the airduct 4112 has a second duct length 4500 b that is greater than the firstduct length 4500 a. In other embodiments, the air duct 4112 may includemultiple extended positions, each having a unique duct length 4500greater than the first duct length 4500 a.

The air duct 4112 includes a first or fixed portion 4504 fixedly mountedto the housing 4114, and a second or movable portion 4508 movablycoupled to the first portion 4504. More specifically, the first portion4504 and the second portion 4508 are sized such that the two portions4504, 4508 can nest into one another when the second portion 4508 ismoved axially relative to the first portion 4504. The nesting fit alsopermits the two portions 4504, 4508 to rotate relative to each other ifneeded, such as for locking and unlocking. In the illustratedembodiment, the second portion 4508 has a relatively largercross-section than the first portion 4504 so that the first portion 4504nests within the second portion 4508 as the duct length 4500 is reduced.However, in alternative embodiments, the first portion 4504 may belarger than the second portion 4508.

The first portion 4504 of the air duct 4112 forms the inlet 4110 whilethe second portion 5408 of the air duct 4112 forms the outlet 4108. Asshown in FIG. 19 the layout between the two portions 5404, 4508 permitsair to flow through the air duct 4112 in all positions as the interiorsof both portions 4504, 4508 remain in constant fluid communication witheach other.

Furthermore, while the illustrated air duct 4112 includes two nestedportions, in alternative embodiments the air duct 4112 may includeadditional nested portions to increase the adjustability of the overalldevice.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 4508 is captiverelative to the first portion 4504 so that the two portions 4504, 4508cannot be separated during normal operating conditions. In someembodiments, the first and second portions 4504, 4508 may include a setof interlocking grooves and tabs to retain the second portion 4508 whilestill allowing the two elements to move axially with respect to eachother.

The air duct 4112 also includes a locking mechanism 4512 to selectivelyfix the second portion 4508 relative to the first portion 4504. Morespecifically, the locking mechanism 4512 is adjustable between a firstor unlocked configuration, in which the second portion 4508 is movablerelative to the first portion 4504, and a second or lockedconfiguration, in which the second portion 4508 is axially fixedrelative to the first portion 4504. In the illustrated embodiment, thelocking mechanism 4512 includes a quarter-lock type system whererotating the second portion 4508 relative to the first portion 4504(e.g., approximately 90 degrees) changes the locking mechanism 4512between the locked and unlocked configuration. In the illustratedembodiment, the first portion 4504 may include one or more groovesformed in the outer surface thereof whereby a pin or protrusion formedin the inner diameter of the second portion 4508 may travel along thegroove to at least partially restrain the relative movement of the firstportion 4504 and the second portion 4508.

While the illustrated locking mechanism 4512 is a quarter-lock typesystem, in alternative embodiments the locking mechanism 4512 mayinclude a spring-loaded detent mechanism, a pin moving along a tortuouspath, a frictional-based system, and the like. The locking mechanism4512 may also include some form of mechanical clamp or lock to fix thesecond portion 4508 relative to the first portion 4504.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the fan assembly 4115 is mounted co-axially withinthe first portion 4504 of the air duct 4112. In turn, the first portion4504 is mounted to the housing 4114 in a cantilever fashion using one ormore mounting brackets (not shown) positioned proximate the inlet 4110.With such a layout, the air duct 4112 relies on the second portion 4504contacting the housing 4114 for a second point of support (e.g., wherethe second portion 4504 passes through the housing 4114 proximate thefront end of the blower 4100).

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of the handheld blower 5100. Thehandheld blower 5100 is substantially similar to the handheld blower 100described above so only the differences will be described herein. Thefan 5130 of the handheld blower 5100 is a ring-style fan 5130 having ahub 5500, a plurality of blades 5504 extending radially outwardly fromthe hub 5500, and an annular ring 5508 extending circumferentially aboutthe ends of the plurality of blades 5504 to define a fan outer diameterD3. During use, the fan 5130 is mounted to a motor 5142 for rotationabout the axis A5001. In alternative embodiments, the fan 5130 mayinclude winglets on the fan blade tips (not shown) in replacement of orto supplement the annular ring 5508. In the illustrated embodiment, thefan outer diameter D3 is greater than the inner diameter D4 of the airduct 5112.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the wall 5516 of the air duct 5112 includes anannular groove 5520 extending about the entire circumference thereof andoriented normal to the axis A5001. The groove 5520 has an axial widthand radial depth generally corresponding to the width and outer diameterD3 of the fan 5130. When assembled, the fan 5103 is positioned so thatat least a portion of the annular ring 5508 is positioned within theannular groove 5520 generating a thin, tortuous path therebetween. Assuch, when the fan 5130 rotates about the axis A5001 relative to the airduct 5112, dead-head area is produced to help limit any airflow“bleeding” around the fan 3130. This, in turn, improves the efficiencyof the fan 5130.

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of the handheld blower 6100. Thehandheld blower 6100 is substantially similar to the handheld blower 100so only the differences will be discussed in detail herein. The handheldblower 6100 includes an air duct 6112 having an inlet 6110 and an outlet6108 opposite the inlet 6110. The blower 6100 also includes a fanassembly 6115 comprising a fan 6130, a motor 6142 to drive the fan 6130,and cover 6144 at least partially encompassing the motor 6142. As shownin FIG. 21 , the fan 6130, motor 6142, and cover 6144 are all positionedwithin the air duct 6112 between the inlet 6110 and the outlet 6108.

Together, the fan 6130, motor 6142, and cover 6144 form a structurewithin the air duct 6112 whose contour includes an upstream end 6500(e.g., generally formed by the fan hub 6132), a downstream end 6504(e.g., generally formed by the exterior surface of the cover 6144), anda cylindrical portion 6508 extending between the upstream end 6500 andthe downstream end 6504 (e.g., generally formed by the remainder of thecover 6144 and a portion of the fan hub 6132). Generally speaking, theupstream end 6500 includes the tapered geometry facing upstream whilethe downstream end 6504 includes the tapered geometry facing downstream.The cylindrical portion 5408 generally includes the region between theupstream end 6500 and the downstream end 6504. With further reference toFIG. 21 , the upstream end 6500 defines a first axial region 6512, thecylindrical portion 5408 defines a second axial region 6516, and thedownstream end 6504 defines a third axial region 6520.

As shown in FIG. 21 , the downstream end 6504 and the portion of thewall 6518 of the air duct 6112 axially aligned with the downstream end6504 are sized and shaped so that the cross-sectional area definedbetween the downstream end 6504 and the air duct 6112 is constant alongthe entire third axial region 6520. In other embodiments, thecross-sectional area between the downstream end 6504 and the air duct6112 may be constant along the entire third axial region 6520±1 percent,±2 percent, or ±5 percent.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical portion 5408 and the wall6518 of the air duct 6112 axially aligned with the cylindrical portion5408 are sized and shaped so that the cross-sectional area producedbetween the cylindrical portion 5408 and the wall 6518 is constant alongthe entire second axial region 6516. In other embodiments, thecross-sectional area between the cylindrical portion 5408 and the airduct 6112 may be constant along the entire second axial region 6516±1percent, ±2 percent, or ±5 percent.

In still other embodiments, the illustrated air duct 6112 of the blower6100 has a constant cross-sectional area along both the second and thirdaxial regions 6516, 6520. In still other embodiments, the air duct 6112has a constant cross-sectional area along the entire second and thirdaxial regions 6516, 6520±1 percent, ±2 percent, or ±5 percent.

In still another embodiment, the cover 6144 defines a fourth axiallength 6522 generally corresponding to the portion of the cover 6144that tapers as it extends downstream. In such an embodiment, thecross-sectional area between the wall 6518 of the air duct 6112 and themotor housing cover is constant over the entire fourth axial length6522. In still other embodiments, the cross-sectional area between thewall 6518 and the cover 6144 is constant over the entire fourth axiallength 6522.

As shown in FIG. 22 , the air duct 6112 also includes a downstreamportion 6524 extending axially downstream from the tip of the cover 6144to the outlet 6108. The downstream portion 6524 of the air duct 6112includes a first end 6532 proximate the tip of the cover 6144 defining afirst diameter 6536, and the outlet 6108 defining a second diameter6540. In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream portion 6524includes a constant slope extending between the first end 6532 and theoutlet 6108.

FIG. 22 illustrates an attachment or nozzle 7500 for use with the blower100. The nozzle 7500 is substantially elongated in shape having a firstportion 7504 and a second portion 7508 coupled to the first portion 7504whereby the two portions 7504, 7508 form continuous channel along theaxial length thereof. The first portion 7504 of the nozzle 7500 includesa first end 7512 configured to be releasably coupled to the outlet 108of the blower 100 and a second end 7516 opposite the first end 7512. Thesecond portion 7508, in turn, is coupled to and extends away from thesecond end 7516 of the first portion 704 to form a nozzle outlet 7520.During use, when the nozzle 7500 is attached to the blower 100, airdischarged by the blower 100 through the outlet 108 enters the nozzle7500 at the first end 7512 thereof is conveyed along the channel formedby the nozzle 7500 and is discharged through the nozzle outlet 7520.

As shown in FIG. 22 , the second portion 7508 of the nozzle 7500 isformed from a pliable material (e.g., foam, rubber, silicone, etc.) sothat the sidewall of the nozzle 7400 can be deformed and manipulatedduring use. Stated differently, the sidewall of the nozzle 7400 can bedeformed to change and alter the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle7500. This is in contrast to the first portion 7504 which is formed fromsubstantially rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, and the like). Suchdeformability may be used to manipulate the nozzle 7500 to fit intovarious areas such as below chairs, behind furniture, and the like.

In some embodiments, the interior surface of the second portion 7508 ofthe nozzle 7500 may be coated, sealed, and the like to provide asmoother surface to allow for more efficient air flow therethrough. Instill other embodiments, fins, baffles, and the like may also be presentin the second portion 7508 to influence the flow of air therethrough. Insuch embodiments, the airflow elements may also be formed from flexiblematerial to allow them to deform together with the second portion 7508of the nozzle itself.

Clause 1: A handheld blower comprising a housing, an air duct defining aduct axis, the air duct including an air inlet and an air outletopposite the air inlet, wherein the air duct defines a volume betweenthe air inlet and the air outlet, a motor at least partially positionedwithin the volume of the air duct, a fan operably coupled to the motorand at least partially positioned within the volume of the air duct, thefan configured to rotate about the duct axis, and a light sourcepositioned within the volume of the air duct.

Clause 2: The handheld blower of clause 1, further comprising a housingconfigured to at least partially receive a portion of the motor therein,and wherein the light source is coupled to the housing.

Clause 3: The handheld blower of clause 1, wherein the light source isconfigured to output a light beam having a beam axis, and wherein thebeam axis is parallel to the duct axis.

Clause 4: The handheld blower of clause 3, wherein the beam axis isco-axial the duct axis.

Clause 5: A handheld blower comprising a housing, an air duct defining aduct axis, the air duct including an air outlet having an outletperimeter, a fan assembly configured to discharge a flow of air throughthe air outlet, and a light source coupled to the outlet perimeter ofthe air duct and configured to output a light beam therefrom.

Clause 6: The handheld blower of clause 5, wherein the air duct includesan inlet opposite the outlet, and wherein the fan assembly is at leastpartially positioned within the air duct.

Clause 7: The handheld blower of clause 5, wherein the light beamdefines a beam axis, and wherein the beam axis is parallel to the ductaxis.

Clause 8: The handheld blower of clause 5, wherein the light sourceincludes a plurality of light sources, each coupled to the outletperimeter and configured to output a corresponding light beam outwardlytherefrom.

Clause 9: The handheld blower of clause 8, wherein each light beamdefines a beam axis, and wherein each beam axis is parallel to the ductaxis.

Clause 10: The handheld blower of clause 8, wherein each light beamdefines a beam axis, and wherein each beam axis is directed toward acommon focal point.

Clause 11: A handheld blower assembly comprising a housing, wherein thehousing defines a battery receiving cavity configured to receive abattery pack therein, an air duct defining a duct axis, the air ductincluding an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, a fanassembly at least partially positioned within the air duct, and a lightsource removably coupled to the housing, wherein the light sourceincludes light source body, a light source battery, and a light emittingelement.

Clause 12: The handheld blower assembly of clause 11, wherein when thelight source is coupled to the housing, the light emitting element isconfigured to output a beam of light having a beam axis, and wherein thebeam axis is generally directed toward the outlet of the air duct.

Clause 13: The handheld blower assembly of clause 12, wherein the beamaxis is parallel to the duct axis.

Clause 14: The handheld blower assembly of clause 11, wherein thehousing includes a plurality of mounting points, each mounting pointconfigured to provide a location for the light source to be removablycoupled to the housing.

Clause 15: The handheld blower assembly of clause 11, wherein thehousing includes a handle, and wherein the light source is coupled tothe housing radially opposite the handle relative to the duct axis.

Clause 16: A handheld blower comprising a housing, a first duct portionfixedly coupled to the housing, wherein the first duct portion definesan air inlet and a duct axis, and wherein the first duct portion definesa first channel, a second duct portion coupled and axially movable withrespect to the first duct portion, wherein the second duct portiondefines an air outlet, a fan assembly at least partially positionedwithin the first duct portion and configured to discharge an airflowthrough the air outlet of the second duct portion, and wherein the firstduct portion and the second duct portion define a duct length betweenthe air inlet and the air outlet, and wherein the duct length isadjustable.

Clause 17: The handheld blower of clause 16, wherein the second ductportion is axially movable with respect to the first duct portionbetween a stowed position and one or more deployed positions.

Clause 18: The handheld blower of clause 16, wherein the first ductportion is sized to be received within the second duct portion.

Clause 19: The handheld blower of clause 16, further comprising alocking mechanism adjustable between a locked configuration, in whichthe second duct portion is not axially movable relative to the firstduct portion, and an unlocked configuration, in which the second ductportion is axially movable relative to the first duct portion.

Clause 20: A nozzle for use with a blower, the nozzle comprising anelongated body having a first end configured to be coupled to an outletof a blower and a nozzle outlet opposite the first end, wherein thenozzle defines a channel extending between and open to both the firstend and the nozzle outlet, and wherein at least a portion of theelongated body is formed from a flexible material.

Clause 21: The nozzle of clause 20, wherein at least a portion of theelongated body is formed from a rigid material.

Clause 22: The nozzle of clause 20, wherein the elongated body includesa first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion,wherein the first portion forms the first end and wherein the secondportion forms the nozzle outlet.

Clause 23: The nozzle of claim 22, wherein the first portion is formedfrom a rigid material and wherein the second portion is formed from aflexible material.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of thedisclosure as described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld blower comprising: a housing; an airduct including an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet,the air duct defining a duct axis; a fan disposed in the air ductbetween the air inlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotateabout the duct axis; a cover disposed in the air duct between the fanand the air outlet, the cover having a first length extending along theaxis; and a flow region disposed radially between the cover and an innersurface of the air duct, the flow region including an annularcross-sectional area that is constant along a majority of the firstlength, wherein the fan includes a fan hub and a plurality of fan bladesextending radially outwardly from the fan hub, each fan blade includingan upstream connection point to the fan hub; and wherein the air ductincludes an air duct intake length extending axially between the airinlet and the upstream connection point, wherein the air duct includesan air duct radius between an inner surface of the air duct and the ductaxis at a position between the air inlet and the upstream connectionpoint, and wherein a ratio of the air duct radius to the air duct intakelength is between 0.4 and 0.55.
 2. The handheld blower of claim 1,wherein the ratio of the air duct radius to the air duct intake lengthis between 0.45 and 0.5.
 3. The handheld blower of claim 1, wherein theratio of the air duct radius to the air duct intake length is 0.5. 4.The handheld blower of claim 1, wherein the air duct further includes abell shape section extending along at least a portion of the air ductintake length, and wherein the bell shape defines a maximum duct radiusand a minimum duct radius, and wherein the ratio of the minimum ductradius and the air duct intake length is between 0.4 and 0.55.
 5. Thehandheld blower of claim 4, wherein the air duct further includes acylindrical section extending along at least a portion of the air ductintake length, and wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical sectionis disposed between the bell shape section and the fan.
 6. The handheldblower of claim 5, wherein the bell shape section includes a maximumbell radius, the cylindrical section includes a cylinder radius, and aratio of the cylinder radius and the maximum bell radius is between 0.6and 0.73.
 7. The handheld blower of claim 6, wherein the ratio of thecylinder radius and the maximum bell radius is between 0.63 and 0.7. 8.The handheld blower of claim 6, wherein the ratio of the cylinder radiusand the maximum bell radius is 0.67.
 9. The handheld blower of claim 5,wherein a portion of the cylindrical section is disposed radiallyoutwardly from the fan.
 10. The handheld blower of claim 5, wherein aportion of the cylindrical section includes openings defined therein,and a sound dampening material layer is disposed between the housing andthe air duct, the sound dampening material layer covering the openings.11. A handheld blower comprising: a housing; an air duct including anair inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, the air ductdefining a duct axis; a fan disposed in the air duct between the airinlet and the air outlet, the fan configured to rotate about the ductaxis; a cover disposed in the air duct between the fan and the airoutlet, the cover having a first length extending along the axis; and aflow region disposed radially between the cover and an inner surface ofthe air duct, the flow region including an annular cross-sectional areathat is constant along a majority of the first length, wherein the fanincludes a fan hub and a plurality of fan blades extending radiallyoutwardly from the fan hub to include a fan tip, the fan defining afirst radius extending between the duct axis and the radial exterior ofthe fan hub, the fan also defining a second radius extending between theduct axis and the blade tip of a fan blade; and wherein a ratio of afirst radius and the second radius is between 0.6 and 0.8.
 12. Ahandheld blower comprising: The handheld blower of claim 11, furthercomprising a handle at least partially defining a battery receivingcavity configured to receive at least a portion of a battery packtherein, wherein the handle defines a grip axis, and wherein the gripaxis is parallel to the duct axis ±10 degrees.
 13. The handheld blowerof claim 12, further comprising a battery pack, and wherein when thebattery pack is received in the battery receiving cavity, a planealigned with the air inlet and oriented normal to the duct axis willpass through the battery pack.
 14. The handheld blower of claim 12,further comprising a fan disposed in the air duct, and wherein at leasta portion of the handle is axially aligned with the fan.
 15. Thehandheld blower of claim 13, wherein when received in the batteryreceiving cavity, at least a portion of the battery pack is disposedoutside of the battery receiving cavity.
 16. The handheld blower ofclaim 12, wherein the battery receiving cavity defines an insertionaxis, and wherein the insertion axis is parallel to the grip axis ±10degrees.
 17. The handheld blower of claim 11, wherein the ratio of thefirst radius and the second radius is between 0.65 and 0.75.
 18. Thehandheld blower of claim 11, wherein the ratio of the first radius andthe second radius is between 0.7 and 0.75.
 19. The handheld blower ofclaim 11, wherein the ratio of the first radius and the second radius is0.72.
 20. The handheld blower of claim 11, wherein the fan hub includesa curvilinear upstream surface facing the air inlet, and wherein theupstream surface is shaped such that the fan hub increases incross-sectional area as it extends downstream.
 21. The handheld blowerof claim 11, wherein the annular cross-sectional area is constant alongmore than 60% of the first length.
 22. The handheld blower of claim 11,wherein the annular cross-sectional area is constant along more than 75%of the first length.
 23. The handheld blower of claim 11, furthercomprising an electric motor disposed in the motor cover, the electricmotor rotatably driving the fan.